Children Hit By Car Outside Broad Rock Elementary

RICHMOND (WRIC)—Two students were hit by a car while walking to Broad Rock Elementary School on Friday morning.

The Kindergartener and third grader were crossing the street to enter school grounds at 8:47 a.m. on Dec. 6 when they were struck by a 2004 Buick Park Avenue on the 4300 block of Dorsett Road. Both were taken to Chippenham Hospital for the treatment of minor injuries.

An email sent by Richmond School Board officials said, “Every child at Broad Rock Elementary School is assigned to a school bus, including the two children involved in the accident. Some parents have elected to have their children walk to school. Those parents have been informed to walk with their children.”

The driver of the vehicle, 21-year-old Nene Klein, of the 4300 block of Norborne Road, was charged with driving a vehicle with faulty brakes.

Neighbors who live in the area say they're not surprise something like this has happened.

Brian Verkay says there are a lot of safety concerns in this area, including speeders and that this neighborhood needs speed bumps and a crosswalk for children.

“Cars go 35, 45 miles an hour up and down these side streets,” he says. “They spent millions of dollars on this brand new school. Spring for a thousand bucks, pay for speed bumps or a crossing guard or something. You have to make these kids safe.”

Felicia Cosby, the spokesperson for Richmond Public Schools says there isn't a safe enough walk zone, and that's why every student has been assigned a bus stop.

But she understands more can be done.

“There could be additional conversations about speed bumps along that road because it is close to a school,” she says.

The city's Department of Public Works says they will look into this matter and determine what traffic control measures, if any, are needed around the school to ensure the safety of the children who must cross streets in that area.”